2011 result

racing_news/

Tidal Bay Prevails in John Smith's Hurdle
03/11/12

1 Tidal Bay 9/2
2 Crack Away Jack 14/1
3 Smad Place 10/11F
6 ran Distances: 4½l, 20l, 20l
TIME 6m 27.40s (slow by 22.40s)

The fabulous Tidal Bay looked as good as ever when making a triumphant seasonal comeback in the John Smith’s Hurdle at Wetherby on Saturday.

Tidal Bay
© racing-images.co.uk

Crack Away Jack appeared to have made a decisive break at the top of the straight, shrugging off the attentions of Restless Harry and Cape Tribulation. Ruby Walsh set off in pursuit aboard Tidal Bay but he was still a number of lengths down at the second last.

Crack Away Jack just started to toil in front though, allowing the veteran performer another bite of the cherry and he did not waste the opportunity, staying on resolutely to triumph by four and a half lengths.

The Flemensfirth 11-year-old, who was bred by John Dorgan, has now won more than £640,000 in prize money and this was his sixth Graded victory. Owner Graham Wylie was understandably delighted to welcome in the winner, who has proved adept at switching between fences and hurdles.

“Paul (Nicholls) is looking at either the Betfair Chase or the Hennessy Gold Cup for him now,” Wylie told sportinglife.com. “We could even look at something like the Welsh National and he will be entered for the Grand National. He wants the ground much softer now and Paul says he acts like a six-year-old at home. Ruby (Walsh) gave him a great ride, you can't steer him, you've got to let him do his own thing. It's taken 11 years for us to work out what to do with him.”

Walsh added: “He's had his problems but Paul said if he was close enough turning in, he could creep into it and win. He’s a real old character and Paul fancied him. He tries his best and outstayed them all in the end.”

John Smith's Hurdle (Registered As The West Yorkshire Hurdle)
(Grade 2)
Going: Good to Soft (Soft in places in the back straight)